Press catch-up

A businesswoman-turned-philanthropist has pledged pound;1 million to an autism research centre. Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley, who started her software firm at her kitchen table, will give the donation to Edinburgh University's Patrick Wild Centre. Meanwhile, Scotland's first state-of- the-art, satellite school for children with autism has opened in East Kilbride. It is an off-shoot of Daldorch House School, East Ayrshire.

Protest over cutbacks

The Press and Journal

More than 50 students have taken over the offices of Aberdeen University to protest against cuts to the education budget. They say they are determined to stay in occupation "as long as it takes". The group has made three demands to university management: to protect jobs, turn down any bonuses, and speak out against government economic policies.

Backlash from diplomats over language cuts

Scotland on Sunday

Foreign diplomats in Scotland have united in a unique protest sparked by fears over how foreign languages are taught in schools. They fear Scottish pupils will lose out in the international market. Consul generals from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China voiced concern over an 80 per cent fall in the number of foreign language assistants over the past five years.

Funding row over cost of city schools

The Herald

The Scottish Government's flagship school building programme has come under fire from the country's largest local authority. Labour-run Glasgow City Council accused SNP ministers of reneging on a promise to fund half the cost of three new primaries under the scheme. Glasgow says the schools being built will cost pound;40 million - but that they will only get pound;10m through the Government initiative.

Truancy report reveals uncomfortable truths

The Guardian

A report on truanting will make uncomfortable reading for the Government. For some young people, truancy becomes a way of life, and punitive measures would make no difference. The first national survey of persistent truants, run by the Rathbone charity, asked 300 young people why they missed school and what types of intervention might have persuaded them to turn up regularly.

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